Recent content by StrictlyUrban

Rats! I spent quite a bit on permits and hoped I might be able to recoup some of the money. Oh, well, I guess it was money well spent. Thanks for clueing me in, High Voltage.

I helped my sister work through the permitting process in West Virginia. She needed a permit to install a septic tank and she also needed to apply for a Septic Tank Seal Registration. I was able to obtain the information she needed over the phone. I think this is the first office that I've ever...

It's that time of year again where we all worry about our taxes. Which business permits are considered tax deductible? I'm going to hire a professional to do my taxes, but I'm not sure what to expect and I'd like to have an idea of what I need to gather up and consider before I do.

To save the oligarchy (business owners) money. Complying with OSHA regulations means keeping people, property, and the environment safe, but it all comes at a cost. It likely means buying the proper safety equipment, undergoing inspections, installing a compliance officer, paying for medical...

But is it possible to do that before significant irreversible harm is done? That's my main concern with that sort of initiative. My opinion is that Mr. Zeldin is fairly centrist, and not much will change. I just don't see him as a major disruptor. I know I'm in the minority, though.

They're called Mobile Food Units in my state, and it sounds like the permit process is more complicated in my jurisdiction than in those who have already responded. We're required to obtain a certificate from the health department, a Grease Control Program Permit, and an inspection by the local...

Count us in as another jurisdiction that charges for all revisions, no matter how small and insignificant. I guess the fees are justified because it requires staff time and additional paperwork. It also keeps things fair, since it's hard to know where to draw the line between this is simple...

The new Trump administration has issued a federal government hiring freeze, leaving countless positions unfilled. The decision is sure to create a backlog in immigration work permits, reentry permits, and much more. How do you see this playing out long-term? Which types of permits do you...

My mother lives in the countryside of Virginia. It's a quaint village with lots of green space. Just yesterday she saw an advertisement for a country music concert that's going to happen right across from her backyard. She owns her land, but a developer owns the concert space. Mom was never...

New Orleans is known for having corrupt city officials. Sadly, it's been like that for ages. Maybe they should put a large committee in charge of permitting. If nothing else, it would be more difficult to bribe that many folks.

I think the way we handle environmental permitting is just about right. It's good to have a mix of laws, so that all sides can advance their ideas responsibly. I see no reason for reform.

How awful for the new homeowner. Unfortunately, in my city, the responsibility falls on the buyers. They're expected to ask questions and request proof, or search it out themselves. I don't believe they'd have a legal remedy in this case, unless there was some kind of warranty on the property.

I feel for the people and businesses who are being held up, but it's pretty hilarious that the city is struggling to get their own permits squared away. It makes you wonder if the officials thought they'd be given a pass, instead of being required to follow the codes.

I'm currently in Ohio, and my teenage son wants to get a job for the summer now that school's out. I believe he might need a permit to work, but I can't figure out who is responsible for obtaining it. Is it the parent, the employer, or the teenager?

That's excellent news, Eric. It sounds like you'll be approved in no time. I'm so glad that it worked out for you. Your local Building Official appears to be knowledgeable and helpful. That's worth its weight in gold.